Baylor Adds Former Big Ten Starter Kayden Mingo via Transfer Portal
Baylor head coach Scott Drew has secured a major addition in the transfer portal, landing Penn State guard Kayden Mingo to bolster the Bears’ backcourt.
After already adding Liberty sharpshooter Brett Decker Jr., Baylor followed up with a significant pickup, as Mingo committed on Thursday and will join the program in Waco for his sophomore season.
Ranked No. 28 overall in the transfer portal by On3, Mingo started 28 games during his lone season at Penn State. The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 13.7 points per game while leading the team with 4.3 assists. He also contributed 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals per contest.
One area for improvement will be his perimeter shooting, as he made just 24.4% of his three-point attempts. That will be a key focus as he transitions into Baylor’s up-tempo offensive system.
Why Mingo matters for Baylor
Mingo’s addition comes at a crucial time for Baylor, which is undergoing a major roster overhaul. The Bears are losing their top three scorers from last season, with Tounde Yessoufou and Cameron Carr heading to the NBA Draft and Obi Agbim graduating. Key role players like Dan Skillings Jr. and Michael Rataj have also departed.
Following a 17–17 campaign, it was clear Drew needed to rebuild, particularly in the backcourt. While Decker Jr. addressed outside shooting—having been one of the nation’s top three-point threats—Mingo provides a more complete skill set.
Having competed in the Big Ten, one of college basketball’s toughest conferences, Mingo brings experience against high-level competition. That background should help him adjust quickly to the challenges of the Big 12.
Just as importantly, Baylor needed a true point guard. Last season, Agbim played out of position as a primary ball-handler, and while JJ White could return, he remains relatively unproven at the Power Conference level. Mingo helps fill that void with his playmaking ability and experience running an offense.
Potential family connection
Another intriguing aspect of this commitment involves Mingo’s younger brother, Dylan Mingo, a top prospect in the 2026 recruiting class.
Dylan had previously included Baylor among his finalists before committing to North Carolina, but reopened his recruitment following the program’s coaching change. With his brother now headed to Baylor, there’s a possibility the Bears could become a strong contender once again.
At 6-foot-5, Dylan Mingo is a versatile combo guard capable of playing multiple positions, and landing him would give Baylor another elite addition as Drew continues to rebuild the roster.
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